Image processing device and image processing method

Abstract

The present invention provides an image processing device and an image processing method. In a case where the image processing device manages a plurality of cloud services in association with a confirmation code in a server, the image processing device receives an input of a display name to be displayed in the image processing device for each cloud service when selecting a cloud service to be used in the image processing device; and stores the display name received for each of the plurality of cloud services managed in association with the confirmation code.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for using a cloud service provided over a network in an image processing apparatus. Background Art

[0002] Cloud services provided via a network are increasingly being used in image processing apparatuses such as printers and multifunction peripherals having a printing function and a scanner function.

[0003] Data scanned by an image processing device can be sent to a cloud service. According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-161445, a scanning application in a personal computer (PC) performs a series of processes defined by a workflow, including obtaining image data read by a scanner connected via a universal serial bus (USB) or the like and uploading the image data to a cloud server. The PC sends the user's account information to the cloud server and obtains an access token from the cloud server. The scanning application uploads the image data to the cloud server together with the access token.

[0004] Recently, the types of cloud services have increased, and users often selectively use different cloud services from image processing devices according to applications. In this case, users need to repeat similar registration processing multiple times in order to use multiple cloud services in the image processing device, which is troublesome. Summary of the invention

[0005] An image processing device comprises: a scanner; at least one memory for storing instructions; and at least one processor for executing the instructions so that the image processing device: receives input of a confirmation code issued when a cloud service is selected via a website provided for the image processing device so as to use the cloud service from the image processing device; sends the confirmation code to a server providing the website; in a case where a plurality of cloud services are managed in association with the confirmation code in the server, receives input of a display name to be displayed in the image processing device for each cloud service when a cloud service to be used in the image processing device is selected; and stores the display name received for each of the plurality of cloud services managed in association with the confirmation code, wherein, in a case where an input of an identification code is received in addition to the input of the display name for any one of the plurality of cloud services managed in association with the confirmation code, the display name and the identification code are stored for the cloud service.

[0006] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 The system configuration and the module configuration of the image processing apparatus are shown.

[0008] Figure 21 is a flowchart showing a process for starting the use of a cloud service in a Web server and related to the issuance of an identification (ID).

[0009] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the process of association registration performed between a Web server and a cloud service.

[0010] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a registration process for using a cloud service in a multifunction peripheral.

[0011] Figure 5 An example of a screen for selecting a cloud service provided by a Web server is shown.

[0012] Figure 6 An example of a screen for selecting an associated login account is shown.

[0013] Figure 7 An example of a screen for asking whether to continue selecting a cloud service is shown.

[0014] Figure 8 An example of a screen indicating completion of issuance of a registration ID provided by the Web server is shown.

[0015] Fig. 9 An example of a screen indicating a list of cloud services to be used in the multi-function peripheral is shown.

[0016] Fig.10 An example of a screen for receiving a registration ID in the multi-function peripheral is shown.

[0017] Fig.11 An example of a screen for selecting a cloud service to be used in the multi-function peripheral is shown.

[0018] Fig.12 An example of a screen for receiving input of a display name and a personal identification number (PIN) in a multifunction peripheral is shown.

[0019] Fig.13 An example of a screen for inquiring whether a plurality of cloud services in the multi-function peripheral use the same display name and PIN is shown.

[0020] Fig.14 An example of a screen for notifying a user of completion of registration of a cloud service in a multifunction peripheral is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] A first exemplary embodiment will be described below. Figure 1The system configuration applicable to the present exemplary embodiment and the module configuration of the image processing apparatus included in the system are illustrated.

[0023] The multifunction peripheral 101 is an example of an image processing device, and has a scanning function and a printing function. The multifunction peripheral 101 includes components 103 to 111 as hardware configurations, and each component is connected to a system bus 102. The multifunction peripheral 101 also includes a display 112 and a touch panel 113. A read-only memory (ROM) 104 stores an operating system (OS) and software executed by a central processing unit (CPU) 103 for controlling each function of the multifunction peripheral 101. A random access memory (RAM) 105 is a work area for executing various programs including programs for implementing the present invention. In addition, the RAM 105 is a memory for temporarily storing data obtained from a Web server through network communication and authentication information for accessing Web services, etc. The storage device 110 is a non-volatile storage device that stores various operation mode settings and operation logs, etc. that are stored even after the multifunction peripheral 101 is restarted.

[0024] The network controller 106 controls the communication of the multifunction peripheral 101. The communication includes wireless communication. The print control unit 107 performs control related to printing by the print function of the multifunction peripheral 101. The display control unit 108 controls information to be output from the multifunction peripheral 101. The input control unit 109 controls information input by the user using the buttons and touch panel 113 of the multifunction peripheral 101. The scanner control unit 111 performs control related to the scan function of the multifunction peripheral 101. Various information about the multifunction peripheral 101 is provided to the user using the print control unit 107, the display control unit 108, the input control unit 109, and the scanner control unit 111.

[0025] The multifunction peripheral 101 can be connected to the Internet 114 via the network controller 106. The web server 115 is equipped with a website and a service for using the multifunction peripheral 101. The cloud service 116 is one of the services for using storage and the like via the Internet 114. For example, the cloud service 116 is a storage service for storing data scanned by the multifunction peripheral 101 and managing the data available for viewing. The cloud service 117 is one of the cloud services different from the cloud service 116. For example, the cloud service 117 is a service for managing data in a notebook format without depending on a file format and the like. The multifunction peripheral 101 can also cooperate with other cloud services (not shown).

[0026] The web server 115 and the cloud services 116 and 117 are implemented by an information processing apparatus having a general-purpose hardware configuration (not shown) that executes a program for realizing the processing described below.

[0027] The information processing device includes at least a storage unit such as a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and a hard disk drive (HDD), and a network interface as a hardware configuration. The CPU uses the RAM as a work area to execute the OS and various programs stored in the ROM and the storage unit. The network interface is connected to a network such as the Internet 114 and implements various types of communications.

[0028] Web server 115 and cloud services 116 and 117 may also be implemented by cloud computing technology. In this case, a program according to the present invention is executed using a virtual machine that operates on hardware and software resources provided in a data center constructed using one or more information processing devices including the above configuration.

[0029] Figure 2 1 is a flowchart showing a process related to identification (ID) issuance for starting use of a cloud service in the Web server 115. The ID issued in this process is used in the multi-function peripheral 101.

[0030] In step S201, the Web server 115 receives access to an ID issuance service provided by the Web server 115 via the Internet 114. This access is performed by a user via a website provided by a company that develops or sells the multifunction peripheral 101 using a Web browser.

[0031] In step S202, the Web server 115 receives a selection of a cloud service to be used by the user in the multifunction peripheral 101. For example, the Web server 115 receives a selection of a cloud service to be used by the user in the multifunction peripheral 101 via a Figure 5 Screen 501 is shown receiving a selection.

[0032] exist Figure 5 , a uniform resource locator (URL) for accessing the ID issuing service is set in the address input part 502 of the web browser. The user can select one or more cloud services that can be used in the multi-function peripheral 101 via a screen 501 provided by the ID issuing service. The screen includes buttons 503, 504, 505, and 506 indicating selectable cloud services. In the present exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that one or more arbitrary cloud services are selected from a plurality of services frequently used by a user of the multi-function peripheral including a storage service for storing data obtained by a scanning function. The plurality of cloud services also include a printing service and a fax service for sending image data obtained by scanning by fax.

[0033] In step S203, the web server 115 prompts the user to authenticate to use the cloud service selected in step S202. This process is performed using a technique called "association login". Figure 3 The subroutine in step S203 is described in detail. The web server 115 can obtain an access token from the selected cloud service by executing this process.

[0034] Figure 6 An example of a screen 601 displayed on a web browser to implement associated login is shown. If the user selects a cloud service, the screen 601 is displayed. The screen 601 includes an account selection portion 602 that allows the user to select an account to be used for authentication of the cloud service.

[0035] In step S204, the Web server 115 displays Figure 7 The screen 701 shown is used to ask the user whether to use other cloud services or terminate the selection of cloud services. Screen 701 includes a button 702 to be selected when the user also wants to use other cloud services and a button 703 to terminate the selection. In the case where the user selection received via screen 701 is to use other cloud services ("Use other services" in step S204), the process returns to step S202. In the case where the user selection to terminate the cloud service is received ("Terminate selection" in step S204), the process proceeds to step S205.

[0036] In step S205, the web server 115 issues a registration ID required to access one or more cloud services selected in the processing of steps S202 to S204 from the multifunction peripheral. The registration ID is a confirmation code represented by a number consisting of approximately 11 digits. In the present exemplary embodiment, in some cases, the registration ID in the case of selecting multiple services may be specifically referred to as a "multi-service registration ID".

[0037] In step S206 , the Web server 115 stores the registration ID and the access token obtained from each of the one or more cloud services selected by the user in association with each other.

[0038] In step S207 , the Web server 115 presents the registration ID issued in step S205 to the user by displaying the registration ID on a screen provided by the ID issuance service, and then ends the process. Figure 8Screen 801 is shown as an example of the processing in step S207, which indicates that the issuance of the registration ID provided by the ID issuance service is completed. Registration ID 802 issued by the ID issuance service of the web server 115 is displayed on screen 801. Screen 801 indicates that one registration ID that can be used in common for two cloud services A and B is issued. Alternatively, information similar to the registration ID can be presented to the user by other means such as email. Even in the case of selecting only one cloud service, the issued registration ID is similarly presented to the user.

[0039] Figure 3 The processing flow in the above-mentioned step S203 is shown.

[0040] In step S301, the web server 115 requests a request token from the cloud service 116 selected in step S202. In step S302, the cloud service 116 issues the request token and sends the URL to the web server 115. Next, in step S303, the web server 115 redirects to the URL received in step S302. In step S304, the cloud service 116 displays an authentication screen. At this time, the access destination of the web browser used by the user is changed from the web server 115 to the cloud service 116 by redirection, and the authentication screen provided by the cloud service 116 is displayed on the web browser.

[0041] In step S305, the user inputs the account information and password through the displayed authentication screen. The cloud service 116 performs authentication processing using the account information and password input via the authentication screen.

[0042] In step S306, the cloud service 116 redirects to the web server 115. In step S307, the web server 115 requests an access token from the cloud service 116. In step S308, the cloud service 116 issues an access token in response to a successful result in the above authentication process. In step S309, the web server 115 receives the access token issued by the cloud service 116 and stores the access token in its own storage unit.

[0043] Figure 4 1 is a flowchart showing a process for registering to use a cloud service in the multifunction peripheral 101. This process is implemented by the CPU 103 of the multifunction peripheral 101 executing a program using the RAM 105.

[0044] In step S401, the multifunction peripheral 101 displays the Fig. 9The screen 901 shown includes a list of cloud services that can be used in the multifunction peripheral 101, and receives a selection of a cloud service from the user. The screen 901 includes selection items for each of cloud services 902, 903, and 904, and also includes a multiple registration button 905 as an option for collectively registering multiple services using multiple service registration IDs.

[0045] In step S402, the multifunction peripheral 101 determines whether the multiple registration buttons 905 are selected. If the multiple registration buttons 905 are selected ("Yes" in step S402), the process proceeds to step S403. If a button corresponding to one cloud service is selected ("No" in step S402), the process proceeds to step S411.

[0046] In step S411, the multifunction peripheral 101 displays the Fig.10 The registration ID receiving screen 1001 shown in FIG. 1001 receives an input of a registration ID from the user. The user inputs the registration ID presented in step S207 into the data input field 1002. In step S412, the multifunction peripheral 101 sends the input registration ID to the Web server 115 via the network controller 106. The Web server 115 checks the input registration ID using the ID issuing service, and as a result, the multifunction peripheral 101 obtains an access token stored in association with the registration ID from the Web server 115.

[0047] Then, the multifunction peripheral 101 displays the Fig.12 Screen 1201 shown. In step S413, the multifunction peripheral 101 receives input of a display name in the multifunction peripheral from the user via the data input field 1202. The display name is used to select a storage destination (account) of a cloud service in the multifunction peripheral 101 when the user uses the cloud service later. The "display name" is information to be used by a user who uses the multifunction peripheral 101 to grasp the data storage destination of the cloud service, and does not have to match the account name used in the cloud service. In step S414, the multifunction peripheral 101 receives input of an identification code from the user via the data input field 1203, which is used by the user to use the cloud service later. An example of an identification code used in this process is a personal identification number (PIN) code. The input of a PIN may be optional. If the PIN is not entered, the cloud service is used from the multifunction peripheral 101 using an access token without entering the PIN in subsequent processing.

[0048] In step S403, the multifunction peripheral 101 displays the registration ID reception screen 1001 and receives an input of a registration ID from the user via the display control unit 108. The user inputs the "multiple service registration ID" presented in step S207 into the data input field 1002.

[0049] In step S404, the multifunction peripheral 101 transmits the service registration IDs input in step S403 to the Web server 115 via the network controller 106. The Web server 115 checks the service registration IDs using an ID issuance service, and as a result, the multifunction peripheral 101 obtains access tokens stored in association with the service registration IDs from the Web server 115.

[0050] Next, in step S405, the multifunction peripheral 101 displays the Fig.11 Screen 1101 is shown. Screen 1101 includes a list of multiple cloud services corresponding to the multiple service registration IDs input in step S403. On screen 1101, the user can select cloud services 1102 and 1103 corresponding to the multiple service registration IDs, while cloud service 1104 that does not correspond to the multiple service registration IDs cannot be selected by the user. Cloud services that do not correspond to the multiple service registration IDs may be hidden.

[0051] After a cloud service is selected on the screen 1101, the multifunction peripheral 101 displays the Fig.12 The screen 1201 shown. In step S406, the multifunction peripheral 101 receives input of the display name of the cloud service selected on the screen 1101 via the data input field 1202. In addition, in step S407, the multifunction peripheral 101 receives input of the PIN of the cloud service selected on the screen 1101 via the input field 1203. The PIN may be optional. The processing of receiving input of the display name and the PIN in steps S406 and S407 is similar to the processing in steps S413 and S414.

[0052] In step S408, the multifunction peripheral 101 determines whether there is any cloud service that has not been selected on the screen 1101 among the plurality of cloud services corresponding to the plurality of service registration IDs. In the case that there is an unselected cloud service ("Yes" in step S408), the process proceeds to step S409. In the case that all cloud services are selected ("No" in step S408), the process proceeds to step S410.

[0053] In step S409, the multifunction peripheral 101 displays the Fig.13The screen 1301 shown asks the user whether to use the display name and PIN received in steps S406 and S407 in other cloud services corresponding to the multiple service registration IDs. The screen 1301 includes a button 1302 for selecting to use the same information in other cloud services and a button 1303 for selecting not to use the same information. In the case where the button 1302 is selected ("Yes" in step S409), the process proceeds to step S410. In the case where the button 1303 is selected ("No" in step S409), the process returns to step S405. In the case where the user uses multiple cloud services, the user can access any cloud service from the multi-function peripheral 101 by inputting the same display name and PIN using a pre-acquired access token. In other words, this exemplary embodiment can improve security to prevent the user's account from being used by other users, and because the user does not have to remember multiple combinations of each cloud service display name and PIN for accessing cloud services from the multi-function peripheral 101, the user's convenience can also be improved.

[0054] In step S410, the multifunction peripheral 101 stores the display name, PIN, and access token in association with each other in the storage device 110. In step S415, the multifunction peripheral 101 displays a display indicating the access token through the display control unit 108. Fig.14 The registration is completed screen 1401, and then the current process is terminated. Screen 1401 shows that two cloud services are available.

[0055] Other embodiments

[0056] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by reading out and executing computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more completely referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform one or more functions in the above-mentioned embodiments, and / or a computer of a system or device including one or more circuits (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing one or more functions in the above-mentioned embodiments, and the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by a method in which, for example, a computer of a system or device reads out and executes computer executable instructions from a storage medium to perform one or more functions in the above-mentioned embodiments, and / or controls one or more circuits to perform one or more functions in the above-mentioned embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU)), and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read out and execute computer executable instructions. Computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a memory of a distributed computing system, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a Blu-ray disc (BD)) TM ), a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

[0057] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0058] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An image processing device, comprising: Scanner; at least one memory for storing instructions; as well as at least one processor, configured to execute the instructions so that the image processing device: receiving an input of a confirmation code issued when a cloud service is selected via a website provided for the image processing apparatus, in order to use the cloud service from the image processing apparatus; Send a confirmation code to the server that provides the website; In a case where a plurality of cloud services are managed in the server in association with the confirmation code, receiving input of a display name to be displayed in the image processing apparatus for each cloud service when selecting a cloud service to be used in the image processing apparatus; as well as storing the display name received for each of a plurality of cloud services managed in association with the confirmation code, wherein, in a case where an input of an identification code is received in addition to an input of a display name for any one of a plurality of cloud services managed in association with the confirmation code, the display name and the identification code are stored for the cloud service, and The instructions further cause the image processing apparatus to provide display of a button for selecting execution of a process using one cloud service or a button for collectively executing processes using a plurality of cloud services before the confirmation code is input.

2. The image processing device according to claim 1, in, The instructions further cause the image processing apparatus to obtain, from a server, an access token required to use each of a plurality of cloud services managed in association with the confirmation code, and Therein, for the corresponding cloud service, the obtained access token is stored in association with at least the received display name.

3. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The instructions also cause the image processing apparatus to receive a setting to use the same display name for the plurality of cloud services.

4. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of cloud services include a storage service for storing data obtained through a scanning function.

5. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of cloud services include a fax service for transmitting data obtained by a scan function via fax.

6. An image processing method performed by an image processing device including a scanner, the method comprising: providing display of a button for selecting execution of a process using one cloud service or a button for collectively executing processes using a plurality of cloud services before inputting a confirmation code issued when a cloud service is selected via a website provided for the image processing apparatus in order to use the cloud service from the image processing apparatus; Receive input of a confirmation code; Send a confirmation code to the server that provides the website; In a case where a plurality of cloud services are managed in the server in association with the confirmation code, receiving input of a display name to be displayed in the image processing apparatus for each cloud service when selecting a cloud service to be used in the image processing apparatus; as well as storing the display name received for each of a plurality of cloud services managed in association with the confirmation code, Wherein, when an input of an identification code is received in addition to an input of a display name for any one of a plurality of cloud services managed in association with the confirmation code, the display name and the identification code are stored for the cloud service.

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